2 Corinthians 3:1-6 – Worthy of Praise

Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

How many times do we toot our own horns? We can often get so full of ourselves and our abilities we lose sight of where that gifting came from. We are who we are because God made us this way. We are also shaped by circumstance and the realities we face as inhabitants of this planet. We are given the ability to choose our path and live our lives on our terms.

What does that look like for you? Are you feeling fulfilled? Do you know without a doubt that you are living the life God intended for you? Do you even care? This may seem a bit harsh, but I am curious how many people are just going through the motions and how many are truly focused on being who God wants them to be.

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2 Corinthians 2:1-17 – Forgiveness Doesn’t Mean We Forget

Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-17

What is happening here? I feel like I jumped into the second season of a show and I have no idea what all the references mean. Let’s not let ourselves get stuck on that. When we remember that this is a letter from Paul to his friends in Corinth that he has had an ongoing relationship with, there are bound to be situations we are just not privy to. It doesn’t matter. We can glean a lot from what is unsaid as well.

We can gather there was a person in their midst wreaking havoc and causing all sorts of problems. Paul had counseled them previously on how to handle his, and it appears they listened. When we are being tossed around by someone who is harming us or influencing us in a negative way, we need to rid ourselves of that temptation to sin lest we fall into the hands of the evil one, too. But what is Paul saying to do now? Forgive.

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2 Corinthians 1:12-24 – Absolutely “Yes!”

Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-24

Paul has a relationship with the people in Corinth. I understand this is actually Paul’s fourth letter to them, but two of his letters have been lost. We can tell from these opening words that Paul cares deeply for his friends in Corinth. He wants to help them in their understanding whether it’s immediate or a realization in the future. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of their history and his planned visits. There is likely a lot going on for this young church and they are crying for Paul’s help.

Paul’s letting them know his plans have actually changed. He had wanted his visit to be joyful, yet he feared that with all the growing pains they were experiencing his visit would be more of rebuke and correction. Has that happened to you? You have been planning something for days, maybe weeks, and then some unforeseen event comes along and changes everything. It is important to plan and have goals and dreams. But we also need to be prepared for Plan B.

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2 Corinthians 1:1-11 – Rely on God

Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

In the words of Paul, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” as you read through and reflect on the book of Second Corinthians. These opening verses are so comforting. We can be assured that God is working on our behalf to bring comfort and rescue when we need his protection. What are we called here to do in response?

Be on guard to help others. That’s our mission. Have you seen the movie “Pay It Forward” that was released in 2000? It was a quirky American film where a 7th grade boy’s Social Studies teacher made an assignment to make the world a better place. They way the kids would accomplish this is by a series of good deeds. If you were the recipient of a good deed, it was then your responsibility to pass along a good deed to someone else. I see a little of that here in these verses.

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1 Corinthians 16:1-24 – Everything in Love

Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Paul concludes his first letter to the Corinthians in this chapter.  He is wrapping up his teaching to them on practices for worship and an understanding of the truth.  He is winding down and bidding them farewell.  He lets them know what to expect from him and other believers.  There is an open line of communication and he is being totally transparent.

Are we transparent in our faith?  Do we tell it like it is, that Jesus was crucified, dying for our sins, and then rose from the grave victorious over death so that we, too, could live forever with him.  When we say those words, do you imagine what our God did for us?  Does it rock you to your core?  Think on that for a moment.  We’ve heard it before, but let the truth resonate with you.  Jesus died for YOU! Powerful.

Amidst the farewell and wrap up there is as gem of a passage (vv 13 and 14) nestled here in today’s reading.  It grabbed me.  Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” I love it!  Simple.  Direct.  Brilliant!  That’s a good passage to memorize, don’t you think?

Be on guard for the evil one.  He is crafty and is waiting to pounce, waiting for us to be weak and distracted.  Stand firm in the faith because it’s too easy to be wishy washy when we let the voices of the world into our heads.  Be courageous goes beyond not being afraid, it is taking a bold stand when it isn’t comfortable.  Be strong when forces push and pull at us.  Remember 1 Corinthians 12:9, “’My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”  We can be strong when we call on God.  Do you do everything with love?  Love God and Love Each other, so before you act, think – am I being loving?

What if we started every day reciting those verses, and perhaps recited them with our meal prayers, our evening prayers, and anytime during the day we were feeling weary?  What if?  I’m going to try it, and I encourage you to do the same.

Let’s pray.  Father God, you have come to me again in my weakness. Help me lean on you and rely on your grace and mercy.  Help me to internalize this great message today and be on guard, be faithful, be courageous and bold, and do everything in love.  Show me those that are ready to hear from you, and give me the message they need.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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